The present invention relates generally to a hanging storage system, and more particularly, to a modular storage system for hanging items such as artwork, including pictures, paintings, etc.
Museums and private art collectors frequently use hanging storage units to store artwork. These units are often quite large in size and consist of a large number of components. To ensure structural integrity, these units are generally fixed to walls and/or ceilings due to their size, thus causing potential damage to spaces where the units are in use. Conventional units generally run on a track system, thus in spaces where surfaces are uneven, use of such units may be problematic. These conventional units often require multiple skilled installers to assemble. This can be costly and intimidating. Additionally, it makes relocation and disassembly of the units a challenge for the owners. Accordingly, what is needed is a stable, free-standing, trackless hanging storage system that is easy to assemble and disassemble—a system which is modular and customizable in size to accommodate various spaces.
The present invention has been designed to address at least the above-described problems and disadvantages, and to provide at least the advantages described below.
Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-assemble storage system for hanging items.
Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage system which is modular and optimally utilizes space to maximize storage capabilities.
Accordingly, yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage system which additionally serves the purpose of easily displaying the stored items.
Accordingly, yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage system which results in minimal disturbance to the installation space.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a hanging storage unit is provided. The hanging storage unit includes a lower frame structure including at least one roller assembly, an upper frame structure including at least one guide assembly, a plurality of posts coupled at a lower end to the lower frame structure and coupled at an upper end the upper frame structure, a guidance tube, moveably engaged with one of the at least one guide assembly, and a panel, an upper end of the panel attached to the guidance tube and a lower end of the panel moveably engaged with one of the at least one roller assembly.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a hanging storage unit is provided. The hanging storage unit includes a frame, at least one guidance tube, and at least one panel. The frame includes a plurality of base extrusions, at least one lower guidance structure, at least one upper frame structure, and a plurality of posts. Each lower guidance structure includes a plurality of roller assemblies, wherein the at least one lower guidance structure is coupled to a first base extrusion and a second base extrusion of the plurality of base extrusions. The at least one upper frame structure has a rectangular shape and includes an upper guidance structure disposed on an inner perimeter of the at least one upper frame structure. The upper guidance structure includes a first set of guide assemblies, and a second set of guide assemblies. Each post of the plurality of posts is coupled at a lower end to each end of the plurality of base extrusions and coupled at an upper end to each corner of the at least one upper frame structure. The at least one guidance tube is inserted through one of the guide assemblies of the first set of guide assemblies and a corresponding one of the guide assemblies of the second set of guide assemblies, and an upper end of the at least one panel is attached to the at least one guidance tube, and a lower end of the at least one panel is engaged with one of the plurality of roller assemblies.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals will be used to describe like elements and components. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
Referring to
The lower frame structure 10 consists of at least two base extrusions 12, such as a first base extrusion 12a and a second base extrusion 12b (see
The first base extrusion 12a and the second base extrusions 12b are disposed parallel to one another and are to be bolted to the floor to provide the foundation for the modular hanging system 100. Each of the first base extrusion 12a and the second base extrusions 12b have a bracket projected in a perpendicular direction from an upper surface of each end of the base extrusion. A first end of the first base extrusion 12a is perpendicularly coupled to a first end of the lower guidance structure 14, and a first end of the second base extraction 12b is perpendicularly coupled to a second end of the lower guidance structure 14. Being coupled in this manner, the first base extrusion 12a, the lower guidance structure 14, and the second base extrusion 12b form the lower frame structure 10 a rectangular shape with one end open.
The lower guidance structure 14 includes a lower guidance rail 16 having disposed thereon at least one roller assembly 18 (see
Each of the plurality of posts 20 are coupled at a lower end to one of the brackets of the base extrusion 12a and a second base extrusion 12b such that the plurality of posts 20 extend in a vertical direction. In this configuration there are four posts 20—a first post 20a coupled to a first end of the first base extrusion 12a, a second post 20b coupled to a second end of the first base extrusion 12a, a third post 20c (see
The upper frame structure 30 consists of an upper frame 32 and an upper guidance structure 34.
The upper frame 32 is formed in rectangular shape, similar to the shape and size of the lower frame structure 10. The upper frame 32 has a bracket projected in a perpendicular direction from a bottom surface of each corner of the upper frame structure 30.
The upper guidance structure 34 consists of a first upper guidance rail 36a having disposed thereon at least one guide assembly 38 (see
The number of guide assemblies 38 on the first upper guidance rail 36a is the same as the number of guide assemblies 38 on the second upper guidance rail 36b. Each of the guide assemblies 38 on the first upper guidance rail 36a are positioned opposite and parallel to corresponding guide assemblies 38 on the second upper guidance rail 36b. For example, the first guide assembly 38a1 on the first upper guidance rail 36a is positioned opposite and parallel to the first guide assembly 38a2 on the second upper guidance rail 36b.
Additionally, the number of guide assemblies 38 on the first upper guidance rail 36a and the number of guide assemblies 38 on the second upper guidance rail 36b is the same as the number of roller assemblies 18 on the lower guidance rail 16. For example, if there are two guide assemblies 38 on both the first upper guidance rail 36a and the second upper guidance rail 36b, then there are also two roller assemblies 18 on the lower guidance rail 16.
The upper guidance structure 34 is coupled to a top surface of the upper frame 32 to form the upper frame structure 30. The individual couplings of the guidance structure 34 to the upper frame 32 is adjustable so the first upper guidance rail 36a and the second upper guidance rail 36b of the upper guidance structure 34 separately varied in height to accommodate uneven floors and, thus, prevent the guidance tube 40 from disengaging from the guide assemblies 38. Accordingly, the couplings may be adjusted to position the first upper guidance rail 36a and the second upper guidance rail 36b of the upper guidance structure 34 level and parallel with the surface on which the hanging storage system 100 is installed.
The upper frame structure 30 is formed in a size and shape that is substantially similar to the size and the shape of the lower frame structure 10. The upper frame structure 30 is disposed above the plurality of posts 20 such that each bracket of the upper frame 32 is coupled to an upper end of one of the plurality of posts 20. When thus coupled, each of the guide assemblies 38 on the second upper guidance rail 36b is positioned on the same vertical plane as corresponding roller assemblies 18 on the lower guidance rail 16. For example, the first guide assembly 38a2 is positioned on the same vertical plane as the first roller assembly 18a.
The guidance tube 40 is to be inserted through one of the guide assemblies 38 on the first guidance rail 36a and a corresponding one of the guide assemblies 38 on the second rail 36b. The guidance tube 40 is capable of sliding back and forth through one of the guide assemblies 38 through which it is inserted.
The panel 50 has at least one wheel 52 disposed at each end of the panel 50 on a bottom surface, such as a first wheel 52a and a second wheel 52b, although any component that permits sliding of the panel 50 is contemplated. The panel 50 additionally has a plurality of pins 54 disposed at various intervals on a top surface of the panel 50. The panel 50 is attached at an upper end, by the plurality of pins 54, to a bottom surface of the guidance tube 40. The panel 50 is engaged at a lower end with the one of the roller assemblies 18 on the lower guidance rail 16. Coupled in this manner, the panel is capable of sliding back and forth through the roller assemblies 18 while also sliding back and forth through the guidance tube 40. As noted above, the guidance tube 40 is also capable of sliding back and forth through one of the guide assemblies 38 through which it is inserted. Thus, as the panel 50 slides, the guidance tube 40 slides along with the panel 50. In this way, the panel 50 may be slid to a position where at least a portion of the guidance tube 40 and a portion of the panel 50 extend beyond the frame of the hanging storage system 100. While thus extended, the panel 50 may be further slid to telescope to a position where the panel 50 extends beyond the guidance tube 40, such that the full width of the panel 50 is exposed beyond the frame of the hanging storage system 100, as shown in
The hanging storage system 100 is designed for ease of assembly and disassembly. Accordingly, the various structural components of the hanging storage system 100, such as the lower frame structure 10, the plurality of posts 20, the upper frame structure 30, the at lease one guidance tube 40, and the at least one panel 50, are composed of aluminum or a similar material to provide for a lightweight structure. Each of the structural components weighs less than 30 lbs (14 kg). Additionally, the various structural components of the hanging storage system 100 are coupled to each other through bolted connections for ease of assembly and disassembly.
The hanging storage system 100 is modular and customizable. The hanging storage system 100 may be construed in various sizes allowing for the use of various numbers of panels 50. The roller assemblies 18 and the guide assemblies 38 are easily removable, such that any number of roller assemblies 18 and guide assemblies 38 as will fit on the corresponding rails may be used in the hanging storage system 100. Additionally, the roller assemblies 18 and the guide assemblies 38 are adjustable, such that a user of the hanging storage system 100 may move each along its corresponding rail to an appropriate position at which the user may secure the assembly. In this way, each panel 50 may be spaced apart at regular or irregular intervals.
Referring to
Referring to
A magnetic catch 15 is disposed in the space, as shown in
Referring to
The first upper guidance rail 36a is configured in the same manner as the second upper guidance rail 36b, and thus a detailed description will be omitted.
Referring to
Referring to
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The panel 50 may be provided in various sizes, such as 4′×12′, 5′×10′, 6′×8′, etc.
Referring to
While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined not by the detailed description of the present invention, but by the appended claims and their equivalents, and thus, all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.
This application is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/966,847, which was filed on Dec. 11, 2015, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20180249831 A1 | Sep 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14966847 | Dec 2015 | US |
Child | 15974256 | US |